History:
It probably developed as a variation or combination of existing names. "Maria," a very common name with Hebrew roots, is a likely source. Maria means "bitterness," "rebelliousness," or possibly "wished-for child." The suffix "iah," common in Hebrew names like Isaiah and Jeremiah, often indicates a connection to God (Yahweh).
Description:
Mariah is a common spelling and phonetic variation of Maraiah. This name has two common spellings.
/məˈraɪə/ (muh-RYE-uh) is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. The pronunciation is generally consistent, though some regional accents might soften the "RYE" sound.
